Iowa Dept of Human Rights' Statement on Governor Ray's Passing

iowa department of human rights

Press Release  -  July 12, 2018

The Iowa Department of Human Rights Releases Statement on the Passing of Former Iowa Governor Robert Ray

All of us at the Department of Human Rights are deeply saddened by the passing of former Governor Robert Ray. The countless lives he impacted are the living legacies and testament to his humanitarianism and enduring moral fiber.

Words are not enough to thank and memorialize Governor Ray who will forever be remembered for his compassion-in-action toward persecuted and vulnerable peoples in the wake of the Vietnam War by actively accepting Southeast Asian refugees from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Tai Dam people. Governor Ray also created a charity that enabled Iowans to help feed many hungry, war-torn people living in overseas refugee camps.

The resettlement of Southeast Asians to Iowa has had a profound impact on the entire Asian community in Iowa, creating a critical mass of Asians to preserve their cultural identity as both Asians and Americans. In addition to the trajectory of the lives of refugees, his actions also changed the lives of the everyday Iowans mobilized by his compelling vision and inspiring leadership to welcome entire refugee families into their hearts and homes.

"Generations of Iowans, including those who arrived as refugees in the 1970's from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Tai Dam, won't soon forget Governor Robert Ray's humanity and courage during his time as Iowa's governor. His example reflects the character of our great state -- one that is welcoming and open to customs and even languages different than ones that most in Iowa had not previously heard of or known."
– Ben Jung, Chair of the Iowa Commission of Asian & Pacific Islanders

In addition to his work on behalf of the Asian community, Governor Ray’s lasting footprint is still felt today at the Department where he signed into law the Iowa Commission & Office on the Status of Women and the precursors to the Iowa Commission & Office of Latino Affairs.  Governor Ray was the first recipient of the Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality & Justice awarded by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women.

"Governor Ray embodied the best of what we hope for in Iowa’s public servants. As a champion of gender equality, he made a lasting impact on the women and girls of our state. Governor Ray will be missed, but his legacy lives on. We extend our deepest condolences to the Ray family and thank them for sharing him with us." 
– Elizabeth Coonan, Chair of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women

"Governor Ray's leadership, courage, and guidance was instrumental in the creation in 1974 of Iowa's Spanish Speaking Commission, predecessor to the Iowa Office and Commission of Latino Affairs. His many initiatives since leaving office in 1983 have made the State of Iowa a much richer, diverse and welcoming community to live in. His enduring legacy will continue to share future achievements within our community. He is a testament on how one person can affect the lives of so many." 
– Henry Vargas, Iowa Latino Hall of Fame Inductee and founding father of the Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs

The Department extends its deepest condolences to First Lady Billie Ray and their entire family and many friends.

San Wong, Director
Iowa Department of Human Rights